[William K. Blair oral history interview (Part 2 of 2)]

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Identifier2002-02-13-1139_AV_018Parts2002-02-13-1139_AV_018_01SourceThe American Fighter Aces Association Oral Interviews (2002-02-13-1139)CreatorAmerican Fighter Aces AssociationIntervieweeBlair, William K.InterviewerValencia, Eugene A.DescriptionAudio recording of an oral history with fighter ace William K. Blair, conducted by interviewer Eugene A. Valencia, circa 1960s. Part 2 of 2.

Text on label: "006. W. K. Blair #2. VF-2 and Mrs. B [illegible]."AbstractIn this two-part oral history, fighter ace William K. Blair is interviewed by Eugene A. Valencia about his military service with the United States Navy. In part two, Blair continues to describe his wartime experiences with Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10) and Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2), including several combat missions over Iwo Jima and the Philippines. He also touches briefly on his postwar career.

The interview concludes with an unidentified woman, possibly Blair’s wife, singing “If I Could Be with You (One Hour Tonight),” “Embraceable You,” “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” and “I Don’t Know Why.”BiographyWilliam K. Blair was born on April 18, 1916 in Toledo, Ohio. He joined the United States Navy in 1940 and graduated from flight training in 1942. Blair served two combat tours in the Pacific Theater, one with Fighting Squadron 10 (VF-10) and one with Fighting Squadron 2 (VF-2). During this time, Blair served aboard a number of carriers, including the USS Saratoga, USS Long Island, USS Hornet, and USS Enterprise. He remained in the military after World War II and retired as a commander in 1957. In his civilian life, he worked as a stock broker for Merrill Lynch.

Biographical information courtesy of: Boyce, Ward J., ed., American fighter aces album. Mesa, Ariz: American Fighter Aces Association, 1996.Creation Datecirca 1960sSubjectAces (Fighter pilots)Air pilots, MilitaryBlair, William K.Fighter pilotsGrumman F6F Hellcat FamilyHornet (Aircraft carrier : CV 12)Mitsubishi A6M Reisen (Zero Fighter) Zeke (Ben, Ray) FamilyNakajima Ki-27 Nate (Abdul) (Type 97 Fighter) FamilyUnited States. Naval ReserveUnited States. NavyUnited States. Navy. Fighting Squadron 2United States. Navy. Fighting Squadron, 10thWorld War, 1939-1945PlaceIwo Jima (Volcano Islands, Japan)JapanPhilippinesExtent1 sound reel (27 min., 3 sec.) : analog ; 1/4 inOriginal Formatoral histories (literary works)open reel audiotapesBibliographic CitationThe American Fighter Aces Association Materials/The Museum of FlightRightsIn copyright

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[William K. Blair oral history interview (Part 2 of 2)]

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[William K. Blair oral history interview (Part 2 of 2)]